/

hello, world. my name is ilene (aka illy). this is my blog where i like to write about life, laughter and the pursuit of real happiness. creamer with a pinch of coffee, songs played on repeat, red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and reading into the hours of the night top my list of favorite things. and life. i am a follower of Jesus and i love life.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Friday, December 3, 2010

the week started off with my odd sleep cycle. stayed up late, yet woke up WIDE awake the next morning. as the week went by, it continued to be productive with shop/blog stuff, running errands, hanging out with family, shopping for christmas gifts, and helping mom out with the yard (haven't done yard work in ages - we don't have yards in chicago - or at least not downtown). then by Wednesday, i felt the dreaded slope. loss of energy. lack of motivation. gah, i'm blaming it all on the weather. (if you follow my twitter, you might have received the tweets in connection to my stream of consciousness.)

so even while i'm sitting her typing, i feel honestly a little, kinda...brain-dead. but i think that it's okay. the weekend is here and i think we are given permission to give into loss of brain activity, wouldn't you agree? i also think that you might agree with me. it is the end of the year afterall. it's pretty normal to be tired at the end of a long year, right?

glitter striped sweater: forever21

belt: forever21

jeans: aeropostle

boots: madison

engagement ring: my bff and the love of my life (yeah, baby!)

and alas the weekend is upon us yet again! i'm looking forward to some holiday happenings taking place this weekend (and for a brain-recharge).

and have i ever mentioned to you my all-time favorite way of drinking my hot chocolate? i always have it with hot milk (never boiled or microwave water - gah, me) with a lot of whip cream and sprinkles on top. i have to have the sprinkles on top. i don't think it's high-maintenance. i just think it's more fun that way. and it makes the whole mug taste better. i don't know why, but i've always loved sprinkles. and yup, lately i've been making myself a cup of it every day around 2 or 3 when i'm in the middle of filling orders. there is something very comforting about it.

welp, hope you have an incredible weekend, friend. not sure if i'll make it back on here this weekend, i'll see you monday when i'll have a lovely sponsor lined up for a sponsor love post and a giveaway!

and on tuesday, december 7th we'll have the link-up for the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Swap! i'm so excited to share with you on what i received from my partner in crime - and i'm so excited to see what you all received and exchanged from your partners! we got a darn good start of the week lined up, don't we now? i'm excited. you should be too. *wink*

what are your weekend plans, friend?

oh, and how do you like to drink hot chocolate?

amd i the only weird one with the sprinkles-addiction? (i'm willing to accept the fact that i might be.)

The end of a long year is the perfect excuse to feel tired if you ask me -- and you've had such a year too!Re the cocoa: You've gotta have sprinkles! :)Re these photos: love your belted striped sweater and you're so pretty!Have a great, re-charging weekend!

The end of a long year is the perfect excuse to feel tired if you ask me -- and you've had such a year too!Re the cocoa: You've gotta have sprinkles! :)Re these photos: love your belted striped sweater and you're so pretty!Have a great, re-charging weekend!

Ooooh, honey. I gave into brain drain last night. I've survive on coffee all week and finally succumbed to the lack of energy. Went to bed early and woke up a little later than usual. Best. Idea. Ever.

You did yard work with your Mom?! Marty from ETS was just talking about how he and Heidy had some neighbors who were in awe that they did their own yard work. Their neighbors are at the mercy of the landscapers b/c they don't know the first thing about taking care of a yard b/c they didn't grow up with one and never learned how to take care of one! That's what happens when you grow up in Chicago...We're supposed to have our first snow this weekend. Miss you and thinking of you!

Hey! just been catching up! Can I just say I love your blog header, I feel like it is new?! Perhaps it has just been ages since I have logged on and seen your gorgeous smile. Anyhoo also loved your decorating the tree and dog post! so sweet xox